CN116964321A

CN116964321A - Wind power generator

Info

Publication number: CN116964321A
Application number: CN202280020740.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 克里斯托弗·尼尔·马丁
Original assignee: Ke LisituofuNierMading
Current assignee: Ke LisituofuNierMading
Priority date: 2021-03-11
Filing date: 2022-03-11
Publication date: 2023-10-27
Also published as: EP4305298A1; ZA202309496B; US20240159221A1; BR112023018271A2; WO2022187911A1; JP2024514234A; AU2022233347A1; EP4305298A4; KR20230169146A; CL2023002695A1; CA3211290A1; MX2023010645A

Abstract

A wind power generator comprising: a mast having a plurality of tower outlets disposed along a low pressure portion of the length of the mast; one or more inlets disposed on the high pressure portion of the mast; an internal fluid flow path between the inlet and the column outlet; a turbine located in the fluid flow path, wherein the inlet and the tower outlet are arranged such that wind creates an airflow through the fluid flow path to propel the turbine.

Description

Wind power generator

Technical Field

The present application relates to a wind power generator for generating electricity.

Background

The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present application only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Clean energy, and in particular renewable energy, was developed to cope with the continual change in climate and to reduce/eliminate the reliance on non-renewable energy sources (e.g., fossil fuels). Clean energy and renewable energy sources come from many different sources including, but not limited to, hydropower, sun, wind, and nuclear energy.

In a broad sense, wind turbines for generating electricity include turbines having large radially extending blades on the tower. The blades rotate the turbine in response to wind flow. The turbine is connected to a drive shaft that drives a generator.

Wind turbines have a number of environmental and psychological disadvantages that prevent the use of wind turbines. The wind turbines are arranged in the open air, and thus wild animals located in the area of the wind turbines may be affected, killed or injured by the blades. The height of the assembly introduces risks to installation and maintenance personnel.

Furthermore, residents living in areas surrounding the wind turbines often express annoyance or concern, such as noise, danger from the blades, heavy objects present so high above the residents. This creates a phenomenon known as "don't care" at my backyard (Not In My Backyard) which is characterized by residents being adverse to what is considered to be unpleasant and/or dangerous development (e.g., wind turbines) at their location, while being unaddressed or supportive for use for such development elsewhere.

It is against this background that the embodiments herein were developed.

Throughout this specification the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect, there is provided a wind power generator comprising:

a mast having a plurality of tower outlets along a length of the mast;

one or more inlets;

an internal fluid flow path between the inlet and the column outlet;

a turbine, the turbine being located in the fluid flow path,

wherein the inlet and the tower outlet are arranged such that wind generates an airflow through the fluid flow path to propel the turbine.

In one embodiment, one or more tower outlets are disposed on the low pressure portion of the mast and the inlets are disposed on the high pressure portion of the mast.

In one embodiment, one or more tower outlets are arranged on one side of the mast.

In one embodiment, the wind turbine includes an opening facing the windward side configured to direct air into the one or more inlets.

In one embodiment, the opening is a bucket opening.

In one embodiment, the opening is located on the mast.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a wind power generator comprising:

a mast rotatably coupled to the base, the mast configured to rotate to orient the windward portion to face into the wind according to a direction of the wind;

one or more inlets;

one or more tower outlets arranged on one side of the mast such that when wind flows through the one or more tower outlets, a pressure differential is created between the one or more tower outlets and the one or more inlets to create an airflow through an internal fluid flow path between the one or more tower outlets and the one or more inlets; and

a turbine is located in the fluid flow path, the turbine configured to be operated when an airflow is generated in the fluid flow path.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a wind power generator comprising:

one or more tower outlets and one or more inlets, the one or more tower outlets being arranged on one side of the mast and the one or more inlets being arranged on a windward portion of the mast;

an internal fluid flow path between the one or more column outlets and the one or more inlets; and

a turbine is positioned in the fluid flow path such that when the one or more inlets receive the airflow, the airflow moves through the fluid flow path to operate the turbine.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a wind power generator comprising:

one or more tower outlets and one or more inlets, the one or more tower outlets being disposed on the low pressure portion of the mast and the one or more inlets being disposed on the high pressure portion of the mast;

an internal fluid flow path between the one or more column outlets and the one or more inlets;

a turbine positioned in the fluid flow path such that a pressure differential between the one or more tower outlets and the one or more inlets produces a flow of air that operates the turbine.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a wind power generator comprising:

one or more tower outlets arranged at different heights on the mast relative to the position of the one or more inlets on the mast;

a conduit defining an internal fluid flow path between one or more column outlets and one or more inlets;

In one embodiment, one or more tower outlets on the mast are vertically spaced from one or more inlets.

In one embodiment, one or more tower outlets on the mast are higher than one or more inlets.

In one embodiment, the tower outlet is arranged on the side of the mast.

In one embodiment, the tower outlet is arranged near or before the transition of the windward part of the mast to the leeward part of the mast.

In one embodiment, there are a plurality of tower outlets evenly spaced along the longitudinal length of the mast.

In one embodiment, there are a plurality of tower outlets evenly spaced along the horizontal length of the mast.

In one embodiment, the inlet is arranged on the windward part of the mast.

In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of each of the one or more inlets is substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of each of the one or more column outlets.

In one embodiment, the combined sum of the cross-sectional areas of the column outlets is greater than the combined sum of the cross-sectional areas of the one or more inlets.

In one embodiment, the weight of the one or more inlets increases the basic integrity of the wind turbine.

In one embodiment, the weight of the one or more inlets is such that the center of gravity and centroid of the device are at a lower elevation.

In one embodiment, the wind turbine includes a bucket.

In one embodiment, the scoop is configured to direct air into one or more inlets.

In one embodiment, the scoop is configured to reduce the fluid flow rate at the scoop opening by 85% to 95%.

In one embodiment, the weight of the bucket lowers the center of mass of the device. In one embodiment, the centroid is proximate the ground.

In one embodiment, the wind turbine includes more than one turbine in the flow path.

In one embodiment, one or more turbines are located in the base.

In one embodiment, one or more turbines are located in the mast.

In one embodiment, at least one turbine is located in the base and at least one turbine is located in the mast.

In one embodiment, the wind turbine includes one or more flow regulating devices located within the flow path.

In one embodiment, the one or more flow regulating devices are check valves.

In one embodiment, the one or more flow regulating devices are gate valves.

In one embodiment, the one or more check valves are reed valves.

Alternatively, the one or more check valves are one-way valves.

In one embodiment, the wind turbine comprises at least two flow regulating devices located within the flow path, wherein at least one of the flow regulating devices is a gate valve and at least one of the flow regulating devices is a check valve.

In one embodiment, the wind turbine includes at least one gate valve configured to throttle airflow into the turbine.

In one embodiment, the wind turbine includes at least one check valve configured to selectively or automatically operate one or more tower outlets.

In one embodiment, the at least one check valve is further configured to prevent reverse flow of air through the one or more tower outlets.

In one embodiment, the wind turbine includes a plurality of columnar turning vanes configured to direct the airflow up the interior columnar cavity of the mast, out towards the leeward portion, such that the airflow is substantially aligned with the direction of the wind as it exits the mast.

In one embodiment, the mast includes baffles configured to better align the airflow at the tower outlet.

In one embodiment, the mast includes an outlet chamber, a leeward chamber, and a plurality of outlet channel turning vanes configured to turn airflow from leeward in the leeward chamber to windward in the outlet chamber.

In one embodiment, the columnar turning vane includes a check valve configured to restrict reverse flow between the leeward cavity and the columnar cavity.

In one embodiment, the outlet passage turning vane includes a check valve configured to limit reverse flow between the outlet chamber and the leeward chamber.

In one embodiment, the mast includes a plurality of outlet turning vanes configured to turn the airflow from windward in the outlet cavity to leeward when exiting the tower outlet.

In one embodiment, the outlet turning vane includes a check valve configured to restrict the free-stream airflow from flowing in a reverse direction into the outlet chamber.

In one embodiment, the base includes a pile and a pile top assembly.

In one embodiment, the base further comprises bearings, enabling the mast to rotate relative to the pile.

In one embodiment, the bearing is a slew bearing.

According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of generating electricity, the method comprising:

coupling a mast to the base for rotation such that the windward portion faces the wind, depending on the direction of the wind;

providing one or more inlets on the mast;

providing one or more tower outlets on the mast on a side of the mast such that when wind flows through the one or more tower outlets, a pressure differential is created between the one or more tower outlets and the one or more inlets to create an airflow through an internal fluid flow path between the one or more tower outlets and the one or more inlets; and

a turbine is disposed in the fluid flow path, the turbine configured to be operated when an airflow is generated in the fluid flow path such that the turbine generates electricity.

According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a method of generating electricity, the method comprising:

rotating the mast to face into the wind;

receiving a gas stream through one or more inlets;

directing the gas stream into a fluid flow path and exiting the gas stream through one or more tower outlets on the mast;

pushing a turbine within the fluid flow path with an air flow in the fluid flow path, wherein the turbine is operably coupled to a generator;

generating electricity or pushing a rotary drive device, such as a water pump.

In one embodiment, the mast is shaped such that the mast rotates according to the direction of the wind.

In one embodiment, the structure is manually rotated according to the direction of the wind.

In one embodiment, the structure is rotated by a motor according to the direction of the wind.

In one embodiment, the motor is an electric motor.

Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present application will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a wind turbine according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a wind turbine according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a bucket, inlet and bucket outlet of a wind turbine according to an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a turbine of an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a mast and an outlet according to an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a base of an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a wind turbine according to an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present application showing the outlet set;

FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a wind turbine according to an alternative embodiment of the application;

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the columnar turning vane shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 9 according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the mast shown in FIG. 5, depicting a channel turning vane according to an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 12 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the mast shown in FIG. 5, depicting an exit turning vane according to an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 13 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the bucket shown in FIG. 3, depicting an outlet turning vane according to an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 14 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the application showing horizontally spaced outlets; and

fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the airflow path around the mast of an embodiment of the application.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, a wind generator (hereinafter also referred to as wind tower 5) is provided, the wind generator comprising a mast 10, the mast 10 preferably being rotatably coupled to a base 12, having one or more tower outlets 16, in this example about 60 tower outlets, arranged longitudinally along the length of the mast 10. The mast 10 is mounted by means of a swivel bearing 38 so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis. In this embodiment, the mast 10 is shaped as a symmetrical airfoil (as seen in fig. 5) such that when wind flows around the mast 10, a low pressure region is created on both sides 43 due to the bernoulli effect, causing the mast 10 to rotate such that the windward portion 34 faces the wind and the leeward portion 36 faces back to the wind (the principle is discussed in further detail below). In one embodiment, the horizontal cross-section of the symmetrical airfoil shape is teardrop shaped. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the exact dimensions may vary as long as the mast 10 is adapted to rotate in response to the direction of the wind.

When the wind is in the form of moving around the mast 10 transversely to the tower outlets 16, the wind creates a low pressure region outside each tower outlet 16 and a pressure differential within the flow path due to the venturi effect. The inlet 14 or inlets 14 are disposed within the scoop 32 proximate the base 12, the scoop 32 helping to concentrate and direct additional incoming wind into the inlet 14.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, wind enters the inlet 14 as shown and is directed through one or more passages that converge into a fluid flow path within which the turbine 18 is disposed such that high pressure at the inlet 14 and low pressure at the tower outlet 16 create an airflow 20 that operates the turbine 18. Turbine 18 may be operatively coupled to generator 22, such as by a drive shaft 30, and generator 22 may generate electrical power. Turbine 18 may also be operatively coupled to another device that performs work or generates electricity.

Bucket 32 may be configured to reduce the fluid flow rate at the opening of bucket 32 by at least 80% to increase the pressure to create a greater pressure differential between inlet 14 and turbine 18.

Optimally, the scoop 32 may be configured to reduce the fluid flow rate at the opening of the scoop 32 by about 90%.

The gas flow 20 along the internal fluid flow path between the one or more turbines 18 and the tower outlet 16 reduces the velocity of the gas flow through the tower outlet 16, for example to 50% of the free flow velocity, thereby increasing the pressure to create a greater pressure differential between the free flow pressure at the side 43 and the tower outlet 16.

Similarly, the airflow 20 along the internal fluid flow path between the one or more turbines 18 and the bucket outlet 50 reduces the velocity of the airflow through the bucket outlet 50, for example to 50% of the free flow velocity, thereby increasing the pressure to create a greater pressure differential between the free flow pressure at the side 43 and the bucket outlet 50.

The smooth surface contours and progressively smaller areas between the scoop 32, inlet 14 and turbine 18 may keep losses to a minimum and improve efficiency.

The smooth surface profile and tapered area between the turbine 18 and the cylindrical cavity 42 may keep losses to a minimum and improve efficiency.

In the embodiment provided, the tower outlet 16 is disposed at a height above the inlet 14 such that wind at higher altitudes can be directed through the tower outlet 16 to increase the pressure differential between the inlet 14 and the tower outlet 16. The higher the mast 10, the less likely there is an obstacle to the flow of wind and/or to create a turbulent airflow. Ideally, the inlet 14 would be disposed on the windward portion 34, the windward portion 34 naturally being an area of higher pressure relative to the natural low pressure area on the side 43, the tower outlet 16 being disposed on the side 43, the side 43 typically being substantially the lee side of the windward portion 34. A high pressure differential will cause a faster airflow 20 through the fluid flow path, thereby causing the turbine 18 to operate and generate more power. The size of the turbine 18 may vary based on the expected conditions and within its operational limits. In this embodiment, the turbine 18 is contained within a portion of the mast 10 and the base 12. Thus, using the present application, risk factors associated with maintenance, wild animals, and noise, typically present in other wind turbines having their turbines disposed in the open air, may be reduced and/or eliminated. Advantageously, bringing the turbine 18 closer to the ground reduces the risk of performing maintenance work at high altitudes.

Referring to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional plan view of inlet 14 disposed about turbine 18 is provided. In this embodiment, the base 12 includes a manifold that receives air through the inlet 14 and the air is directed until their respective flow paths converge into a fluid flow path in which the turbine 18 is disposed. In this embodiment, the scoop 32 condenses the wind and directs the wind into the inlet 14, the inlet 14 having a passage to direct the air through the turbine 18, as shown in FIG. 4. The size of the inlet 14 may be selected based on the maximum speed of the turbine 18 and/or based on historical weather records of the area in which the device is to be installed, for example, the inlet 14 has a diameter of 6 meters.

The speed of the turbine 18, and in extension the amount of electricity that can be produced, will be limited by the volumetric flow rate at which the wind tower 5 is able to allow air to flow from the inlet 14 to the tower outlet 16. Thus, the size of the inlet 14 may be larger in areas where there is typically a large gust of wind and/or where wind towers 5 with relatively large turbines 18 are to be installed. Thus, the installation location and historical weather conditions may inform the turbine 18 of the desired size, which in turn may be used to determine the size of the inlet 14 and/or tower outlet 16 required to accommodate the air required to enable the turbine 18 to operate at the required speed to produce the desired power output. Because environmental conditions vary with seasons, the ability to effectively disconnect one or more column outlets 16 from operation may be desirable.

Alternative embodiments may include at least one additional small turbine 52 located in the flow path, the at least one additional small turbine 52 being operatively connected to the small generator 60. The small turbines 52 may be adjacent to each other in stages or spaced apart along the small drive shaft 56.

Turbine 18 may include variable pitch turbine blades to control the rotational speed and torque applied to generator 22.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the one or more tower outlets 16 on the mast 10 are preferably evenly spaced along the longitudinal length of the mast 10 and fluidly open from the columnar cavity 42, the columnar cavity 42 forming part of the fluid flow path within the mast 10. The tower outlet 16 is arranged on one or both of the sides 43, preferably at or before the transition from the windward portion 34 to the leeward portion 36.

Gate valve 24 may also be disposed between one or more inlets 14 and turbine 18 (as seen in FIG. 4). Gate valve 24 may be used alone or in combination to regulate airflow 20 during operation and/or maintenance to help reduce or prevent operation of turbine 18. Reducing operation may be to address issues such as noise, power output, or other meteorological conditions.

The cross-sectional area of the one or more inlets 14 is substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of the column outlet 16 such that the inlets 14 are heavier than the column outlet 16. The combination of the additional weight provided by the scoop 32 and/or the one or more inlets 14 and the low proximity of the inlets 14 on the mast relative to the tower outlet 16 improves the basic integrity of the wind tower 5. The placement of the inlet 14 at a lower position on the mast 10 and/or within the base 12 lowers the center of mass and center of gravity to reduce or minimize the likelihood of the wind tower 5 tipping or overturning.

The scoop 32 concentrates air to be directed through the one or more inlets 14. The decrease in cross-section caused by the shape of the scoop 32 concentrating the airflow 20 results in an increase in the velocity of the air entering the one or more inlets 14, thereby increasing the velocity of the turbine 18. The scoop 32 may be coupled to the wind tower 5, the mast 10, and/or the base 12. The bucket may also be formed as part of the mast 10 or base 12.

Referring to fig. 5, a cross section of mast 10 at one tower outlet 16 is provided, showing a variation of the symmetrical airfoil form. As explained by the bernoulli principle, an increase in wind speed creates a low pressure region on the sides 43 of the mast 10 as the wind moves around the mast 10. Because the mast 10 is symmetrical, a low pressure area is created on both sides 43 of the leeward portion 36 of the mast, exerting a force on both sides 43 of the leeward portion 36. However, if the forces on both sides of the leeward portion 36 are uneven, the mast 10 is caused to rotate until the forces are equal but opposite, and the windward portion 34 is caused to face into the wind, while the leeward portion 36 faces back against the wind.

As the wind blows on the mast 10, the wind moves around the windward portion 34 and, as explained by the Coanda effect, the wind has a tendency to remain attached to the surface as it moves around the mast 10 and transversely to the tower outlet 16. The wind moving transversely to the tower outlets 16 creates a low pressure region near the outside of each tower outlet 16, resulting in a pressure differential through the fluid flow path, thereby creating an airflow 20 proportional to the pressure differential between the inlet 14 and the tower outlets 16. Thus, the pressure differential that exists between inlet 14 and column outlet 16 is caused by one or more of the features discussed herein, either alone or in combination with one or more of the features discussed herein.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7, cross-sectional views are provided showing the pile 26 coupled to the base 12 of the pile top assembly 28. The stake 26 may be a single stake or a plurality of smaller stakes that are coupled to complementary features on the stake top assembly 28. The base 12 may include a swivel bearing 38, the swivel bearing 38 enabling the mast 10 to rotate relative to the base 12. The slew bearing 38 may be configured to rotate the entire pile top assembly 28 relative to the pile 26. The swivel bearing 38 may be a swivel bearing, a swivel ring, or a swivel ring.

In this embodiment, the stake 26 is approximately 38 meters long. However, the length of the pile 26 should be determined by the height of the mast 10. For example, a mast 10 of 180 meters height may require a 50 meter length of stake 26. In contrast, a mast 10 of 15 meters height may only require a pile 26 of 2 meters length. In calculating the length required for the piles 26, it is obvious to include a safety factor to ensure that the probability of the wind tower 5 tipping is as low as possible to an allowable reasonable extent. The required safety factor may vary depending on jurisdiction, and thus one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that variations in the length of the stake 26 may also vary.

In alternative embodiments of the application, the mast 10 may have 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 80, 90, 100, or other number of tower outlets 16. The number of tower outlets 16 that the mast 10 may have is based on the height and shape of the mast 10. Generally, the total cross-sectional area of the column outlet 16 is greater than the total cross-sectional area of the inlet 14. Thus, the inlet 14 may be circular and 6 meters in diameter and the tower outlet 16 may be rectangular with a radial depth equal to the boundary layer thickness. The shape of the inlet 14 and the shape of the tower outlet 16 may be any shape, such as circular, square, rectangular, triangular or oval. The shape of the inlet 14 and the shape of the tower outlet 16 may be determined by structural strength, space constraints, and/or ease of manufacture.

In this embodiment, the mast 10 is about 135 meters in height from the ground. In other embodiments, the mast 10 may be higher, such as 150 meters, or the mast 10 may be shorter, such as 120 meters, 100 meters, 75 meters, 50 meters, 40 meters, 30 meters, 20 meters, or 10 meters, based on the location where the mast 10 is installed and/or the local weather conditions. For example, if the mast 10 is installed in a residential area, the height of the mast 10 may be limited to only 5 meters of the mast 10 to meet the regulations. While the mast 10 is installed in a valley or on a plain, the mast 10 of 150 meters may be accommodated to utilize wind flow at higher altitudes.

In this embodiment, the tower outlets 16 are evenly spaced along the length of the mast 10. However, in alternative embodiments, the tower outlets 16 may be irregularly spaced (i.e., unevenly spaced) along the mast 10. The tower outlets 16 may also be spaced apart along a portion of the mast 10.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the tower outlets 16 may be concentrated in a tower outlet set 40 comprising two or more tower outlets 16 at different heights along the length of the mast 10. The location of the tower outlet 16 may be determined based on the local conditions of the location where the wind tower 5 is to be installed.

The column outlet set 40 may also include one or more gate valves (not shown) that may be operated along the length of the mast 10 to reduce the number of column outlets 16 that are operable and located within the flow path. The gate valves at the tower outlet set 40, along with the gate valves 24, allow for the speed of the turbine 18 to be adjusted by throttling the volumetric flow of air between the one or more inlets 14 and the one or more tower outlets 16. This may optimize the performance of the wind turbine.

Referring to FIG. 9, the fluid flow path 20 may be divided into different flow channels 78 after passing through one or more turbines 18, 52, wherein the tower outlet 16 is divided into different tower baffle cavities 68 and outlet sets 40. In such a division, one or more flow regulating devices (e.g., gate valves or check valves) may be disposed within the mast 10 to selectively or automatically operate one or more tower outlet sets 40 to optimize power generation from the turbine 18.

For example, when the airflow 20 is generated by wind blowing directly into the inlet 14, an effectively operating tower outlet set 40 is increased to ensure that the airflow velocity between the inlet 14 and the operating tower outlet 16 is not reduced, ensuring optimal performance of the turbine 18. Alternatively, where the airflow 20 is generated by a pressure differential of different air volumes blown across the tower outlet 16 or the tower outlet set 40, reducing the tower outlet 16 or the tower outlet set 40 to operate effectively may cause the velocity of the airflow 20 through the fluid flow path to increase, thereby causing the turbine 18 to generate more power. The height of the mast 10 may be large enough that there are multiple layers of wind with different characteristics, which ensures that one or more tower outlets 16 or tower outlet sets 40 are removed from operation.

Furthermore, the tower outlets 16 may be arranged at different heights on different sides 43 of the mast 10. Thus, on one side 43, one tower outlet may be arranged every 10 meters, while on the other side 43, one tower outlet may be arranged every 15 meters. For example, the tower outlets 16 on one side 43 may start 5 meters from the bottom of the mast 10 and be arranged every 10 meters, such that the tower outlets alternate every 5 meters between the sides 43.

The mast 10 may also include baffles 80, the baffles 80 being configured to better align the airflow 20 at the tower outlet 16, and the space between the baffles 80 may be defined as the baffle cavity 68. Baffle 80 may be configured to limit the vertical flow of air in leeward cavity 64 (limiting the pressure drop due to the bernoulli effect if air flows through outlet channel turning vanes 72).

It should be appreciated that while the baffle 80 may be aligned with the column outlet set 40, both features may be considered independent and need not be used together, and that the baffle 80 may provide advantages without the inclusion of the outlet set 40 and vice versa.

In this embodiment, the base 12 includes a slew bearing 38. However, the swivel bearing 38 may be located intermediate the mast 10 and the base 12 as part of the coupling. The slewing bearing 38 can also be integrated in the mast 10, arranged towards the bottom. The means for rotating the mast 10 may also be a swivel, or a combination of a swivel and a swivel bearing 38.

In the present embodiment, the inlet 14 is disposed on the base 12. One or more inlets 14 may be disposed on the mast 10 with or without a bucket 32. The scoop 32 may also serve as the inlet 14.

Advantageously, the air flow 20 is directed within the mast 10 to optimize dynamic pressure.

Referring to fig. 10, a plurality of columnar turning vanes 70 are provided, the plurality of columnar turning vanes 70 being configured to direct the airflow 20 to travel up the columnar cavity 42 or flow passage 78, out towards the leeward portion 36, such that the airflow 20 is substantially aligned with the free flow flowing as it exits the mast 10 to optimize dynamic pressure and mitigate the bernoulli effect due to pressure drop inside the outlet 16.

The columnar turning vane 70 may include a check valve 84, the check valve 84 configured to restrict reverse flow between the leeward cavity 64 and the columnar cavity 42.

Referring to fig. 11, and also to fig. 5, a plurality of outlet channel turning vanes 72 are provided, the plurality of outlet channel turning vanes 72 being configured to turn the airflow 20 from leeward in the leeward cavity 61 to windward in the outlet cavity 66. Thereby increasing the dynamic pressure at the column outlet 16.

Outlet channel turning vane 72 may include a check valve 84, with check valve 84 configured to limit reverse flow between outlet chamber 66 and leeward chamber 64.

Referring to fig. 12, and also to fig. 5, a plurality of outlet turning vanes 74 are provided, the plurality of outlet turning vanes 74 being configured to turn the airflow 20 from windward in the outlet cavity 66 to leeward as it exits the tower outlet 16, thereby increasing the dynamic pressure at the tower outlet 16.

The outlet turning vane 74 may include a check valve 84, the check valve 84 configured to restrict the free-stream airflow from flowing in a reverse direction into the outlet chamber 66.

Referring to fig. 13, a plurality of bucket-shaped outlet turning vanes 76 are provided, the plurality of bucket-shaped outlet turning vanes 76 being configured to turn the airflow 20 from windward in the bucket cavity 62 to leeward as it exits the bucket outlet 50, thereby increasing the dynamic pressure at the bucket outlet 50.

The bucket outlet turning vane 76 may include a check valve 84, the check valve 84 configured to restrict the free-stream airflow from flowing back into the bucket cavity 62.

Referring to fig. 14, a plurality of tower outlets 16 are provided, the plurality of tower outlets 16 being evenly spaced in a horizontal plane at a location along the longitudinal length of the mast 10. Showing a plurality of tower outlets 16 at radial positions θ ₁ And theta ₂ Extending therebetween. Depicting multiple column outlets16 may also be adapted for use with a plurality of bucket shaped outlets 50.

Optimally, θ ₁ May be 80 °, but is not limited thereto.

Optimally, θ ₂ May be 115 deg., but is not limited thereto.

The plurality of tower outlets 16 in the horizontal plane may be repeated at a plurality of locations along the length of the mast 10. Thus, a plurality of tower outlets 16 may be arranged one tower outlet at, for example, every 5 meters along the longitudinal length of the mast 10. The plurality of tower outlets 16 can be disposed at any increment along the length of the mast 10, such as one tower outlet every 1 meter, 2 meters, 3 meters, 4 meters, 5 meters, 10 meters, etc.

The tower outlet 16 may be disposed at a location where the pressure drop at the airfoil side 43 is greater than 80% of the difference between the stagnation pressure of the windward portion 34 and the minimum pressure achieved on the airfoil side 43.

Similarly, the scoop outlet 50 may be disposed at a location where the pressure drop at the airfoil side 43 is greater than 80% of the difference between the stagnation pressure of the windward portion 34 and the minimum pressure achieved on the airfoil side 43.

Referring to FIG. 15, the free-stream air velocity V++and fluid flow path around the mast 10 is shown.

Desirably, the ratio of the cumulative area of the column outlet 16 to the inlet 14 can be controlled by the following equation. However, the present application works on a variety of principles, only some of which may require such strict adherence. The following formulas are merely guidelines and starting points in designing the dimensions of the column outlet 16 to inlet 14. Many factors, including but not limited to environmental factors, may make this relationship more or less important. For example, where the wind is large, where the primary drive of the wind generator is naturally occurring, the size may be less important.

a = radius of column (m)

r=radius at the point being evaluated (m)

A _{An outlet} ≈16.A _{Turbine wheel}

A _{An inlet} ≈64.A _{Turbine wheel}

Radial depth of individual outlets = boundary layer thickness

A _{An inlet} : total inlet cross-sectional area (m ² )

A _{An outlet} : total outlet cross-sectional area (m ² )

Thus, the present application will function even if the ratio of the cumulative area of the column outlet 16 to the inlet 14 does not strictly satisfy the above equation.

The application may be modified in the context of what is described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Such modifications are intended to form part of the application described in this specification.

Claims

1. A wind power generator comprising:

a mast having a plurality of tower outlets disposed along a low pressure portion of a length of the mast;

one or more inlets disposed on the high pressure portion of the mast;

an internal fluid flow path between the inlet and the column outlet;

a turbine, the turbine being located in the fluid flow path,

wherein the inlet and the tower outlet are arranged such that wind creates an airflow through the fluid flow path to propel a turbine.

2. A wind power generator comprising:

a mast having a plurality of tower outlets arranged on one side of the mast;

an opening facing the windward side, the opening configured to direct air into the one or more inlets;

an internal fluid flow path between the inlet and the column outlet;

a turbine, the turbine being located in the fluid flow path,

3. A wind power generator comprising:

one or more tower outlets and one or more inlets, the one or more tower outlets being arranged on a side of the mast and the one or more inlets being arranged on the windward portion of the mast;

a turbine located in the fluid flow path such that when the one or more inlets receive an airflow, the airflow moves through the fluid flow path to operate the turbine.

4. A wind power generator comprising:

one or more tower outlets and one or more inlets, the one or more tower outlets being disposed on a low pressure portion of the mast and the one or more inlets being disposed on a high pressure portion of the mast;

5. A wind power generator comprising:

a conduit defining an internal fluid flow path between the one or more column outlets and the one or more inlets;

6. A wind turbine according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more tower outlets on the mast are vertically spaced from the one or more inlets.

7. The wind turbine of claim 6, wherein the one or more tower outlets on the mast are higher than the one or more inlets.

8. A wind turbine according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more tower outlets on the mast are at the same elevation as the one or more inlets.

9. A wind power generator as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tower outlet is arranged near or before a transition of a windward portion of the mast to a leeward portion of the mast.

10. A wind turbine according to any preceding claim, wherein the cross-sectional area of each of the one or more inlets is substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of each of the one or more tower outlets.

11. A wind turbine according to any preceding claim, wherein the combined sum of the cross-sectional areas of the tower outlets is greater than the combined sum of the cross-sectional areas of the one or more inlets.

12. A wind turbine according to any preceding claim, wherein the wind turbine comprises one or more flow regulating means located within the flow path.

13. The wind turbine of claim 12, wherein the one or more flow regulating devices are gate valves.

14. The wind turbine of claim 12, wherein the one or more flow regulating devices are check valves.

15. The wind-powered generator of claim 14, wherein the check valve is a reed valve.

16. A wind turbine according to any of claims 1-11, wherein the wind turbine comprises at least two flow regulating devices located within the flow path, wherein at least one of the flow regulating devices is a gate valve and at least one of the flow regulating devices is a check valve.

17. The wind turbine of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the wind turbine comprises at least one gate valve configured to throttle airflow into the turbine.

18. A wind turbine according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the wind turbine comprises at least one check valve configured to selectively or automatically operate one or more tower outlets.

19. The wind turbine of claim 18, wherein the at least one check valve is further configured to prevent reverse flow of air through the one or more tower outlets.

20. A wind powered generator according to any preceding claim wherein the mast comprises a baffle configured to better align the airflow at the tower outlet.

21. A wind turbine according to any preceding claim, wherein the wind turbine comprises a plurality of columnar turning vanes configured to direct airflow up an interior columnar cavity of the mast, out towards the leeward portion, such that the airflow is substantially aligned with the direction of wind when exiting the mast.

22. The wind generator of claim 21 wherein the mast comprises an outlet chamber, a leeward chamber, and a plurality of outlet channel turning vanes configured to turn airflow from leeward in the leeward chamber to windward in the outlet chamber.

23. The wind turbine of claim 22, wherein the columnar turning vane includes a check valve configured to restrict reverse flow between the leeward cavity and the columnar cavity.

24. The wind turbine of claim 22, wherein the outlet passage turning vane includes a check valve configured to restrict reverse flow between the outlet chamber and the leeward chamber.

25. The wind generator of claim 22 wherein the mast includes a plurality of outlet turning vanes configured to turn airflow from windward in the outlet cavity to leeward when exiting the tower outlet.

26. The wind-powered generator of claim 25, wherein the outlet turning vane comprises a check valve configured to restrict free-stream airflow from flowing back into the outlet chamber.

27. A method of generating electricity, comprising:

arranging the mast according to the direction of the wind so that the windward portion faces the wind;

providing one or more inlets on the mast;

28. A method of generating electricity, comprising:

rotating the mast to face into the wind;

receiving a gas stream through one or more inlets;

directing a gas stream into a fluid flow path and exiting the gas stream through one or more tower outlets on the mast;

generating electricity or pushing the rotary drive.